This is the fifteenth in a continuing feature at IndustryCentral profiling "The Working Actor". (See Archives below)William Shakespeare said "There are no small
parts.....". William Shatner may have said it too, but
the longhair with the tights was first, or so the reports go. In
this feature we will explore what it really means to be an actor
working in Motion Pictures and Television.
Broad public acknowledgment may have eluded some who find their
way to these pages, or perhaps they may have brushed against what
is referred to as stardom by virtue of one or more remarkable
performances. However for many, the rewards of plying their craft
in a field which has allowed them to earn a living may exceed the
burdens of public acclaim. Given the chance, some in this clan
might prefer the longevity offered by anonymity over the
potential for short lived fame.
These individuals, either by design or fate, have managed to
sustain a career by crafting performances which rendered them a
good casting choice. They are usually thought of as a face you
recognize, but you just can't get the name past the tip of
your tongue.
Most of these folks have spent countless hours on stage in
theaters ranging from 20 seats to 2000, building characters from
the works of Ibsen, to Eliot, to Williams, to yes even
Shakespeare, and so many of the modern Playwrights. They have
rounded their skills doing drama, comedy, & musicals. Their
work is a serious venture.
These people have given us screen performances which quite often
were the catalyst that brought an Oscar or Emmy to another and
yet they continue to work as "Characters" or
"Co-Stars" without the trophies and plaques adorning
their mantle.

Jay Acovone, an actor of diverse talents recently worked with Tom Hanks on the Film "Cast Away" and also the HBO film "Dorothy Danridge". Jay has also recently had recurring roles on NBC's hit series "Providence" playing Vincent The Loan Shark, and on "Stargate" as Major Charlie Kowalski.

Jay's film credits include "Crime of the Century" directed by Mark Rydell, "Nails" with Dennis Hooper, "Cold Steel" with Sharon Stone, "Cruising" with Al Pacino, and an endless list of others.

Movies of the Week include "The Magician", "On The Line", with Linda Hamilton, and "Murder She Wrote" to name but a few. Jay has starred in the Television Series "Beauty and the Beast" for CBS and "Hollywood Beat" for ABC/Spelling. He also starred in the sitcom "Locals" with John Razenberger.

The youngest of three children, Jay is a native of Lake Mahopac, New York. His family still owns and operates the Dry Cleaning business his grandfather started long ago. Immediately after graduating from Mahopac High, Jay began exploring career options. His life changed one day while pumping gas. A friend suggested that he try out for a role in "Mr. Roberts". Much to his surprise, he landed the role and by opening night a career in acting had begun.

With the blessings of his family, he headed to New York and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute

Jay graced daytime television for two years in "As The World Turns", and spent two more years on "Search For Tomorrow".

Jay lives in the Los Angeles area with wife and three Pugs. He enjoys boxing, swimming, and snow skiing for which he holds an instructors license and many awards. Jay is also a motorcycle and race car enthusiast.

Representation:Management:
Fonda St. Paul
(323) 876-6161

Jay Acovone's advice to the aspiring
actor:

"We gamble with our lives everyday because in our line of work we don't have anything to fall back on.

Every waking hour of the day is spent on self promotion or education and there is just no time to have a second career. This is not a hobby or anything to 'dabble' in. A career in acting requires 100% dedication.